Puducherry Director Suspended Over Temple Land Fraud Case
The Puducherry administration has suspended A. Suresh Raj, Director of the Directorate of Information and Publicity, following his arrest in connection with the Kamatchiamman Temple land grabbing case.
An order issued by the Lieutenant Governor on July 20 stated that the officer has been suspended with immediate effect as a criminal offence against him is under investigation. During the suspension period, the officer is required to remain at the headquarters and must obtain permission from the competent authority before leaving.
Earlier this month, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption unit of the Puducherry police arrested Suresh Raj for his involvement in the fraudulent registration of a Settlement Deed related to the temple land. The offence occurred while he was serving as the Sub Registrar of Oulgaret.
The officer has been accused of facilitating the illegal occupation of temple land. He was arrested under sections 120-B, 465, 467, 468, 471, 420 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 13(1)(b)(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
